[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you share a typical day in the life of Lily Teagarden?

[Lily Teagarden] Things are a little disrupted at the moment because of this nonsense about my sheep being haunted, but on a typical day, I rise early and dress simply—I don’t care about frivolous things like jewelry. Breakfast is a quick meal so I can get right out to check on my sheep. After that, I get to work on my special task. It’s a secret undertaking, but I can tell you it involves yarn.

Most days, too, I tutor two village girls in reading and writing. Because of my own history, I feel strongly that girls like them should have the chance for more out of life than cooking and sewing.

I rarely drink wine with dinner and never eat more than I should, though I understand that others enjoy these pleasures. For me, the best pleasure of all is knowing I’ve done something to make the world a better place.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three words come to mind when you think of Hal?

[Lily Teagarden] Diversion-seeking, charmer, light-hearted

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What do you find most exasperating about him?

[Lily Teagarden] That he’s become a viscount, with the possibility of doing so much good in the world, but he’s spending his time on silly pursuits like parties. He will even talk about fashion! Also, he has always liked to tease far too much. And as to propriety—I met him walking on my property the other day dripping wet and bare-chested. I ask you!

I’m sorry to go on, but you see, I find almost everything about Hal exasperating.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If you could change one thing you’ve done in your life, what would it be?

[Lily Teagarden] I would refuse to have the Season in London that was given me four years ago. My siblings and I didn’t know it at the time, but our family was deep in debt, and paying for my Season only made our troubles worse. I’m afraid our financial troubles are what killed our poor father.

Sadly, this episode only proved what I believe, that indulging in pleasures and frivolity leads to wastefulness and harm.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What’s one thing you won’t leave home without?

[Lily Teagarden] I won’t leave home without the proper attire for the weather. So many ladies only dress for appearances in gauzy, thin gowns and leave themselves open to catching unnecessary colds. I hate being sick and lying about uselessly in bed.

Not to bring up Hal again, because I hardly ever think about him, but he once said he thought lying about uselessly in bed was the best thing ever. I wonder that I even remember this, but for some reason, I can’t forget it. Probably because of the way he was smiling. He has the most mischievous smile—it always makes me wonder what he’ll do next.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] How do you relax after a hard day chasing haunted sheep?

[Lily Teagarden] After dinner, I knit or read something improving, and then I go to bed at a reasonable time. Well, I used to, until Hal came back and I discovered he had something of mine I needed to get back. Unfortunately, stealth missions to retrieve things must often be done in the middle of the night.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you share your dreams for the future in five words or less?

[Lily Teagarden] I want to help people.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Thank you!

[Lily Teagarden] It was a pleasure. Thank you!

About the book:

When Adversaries Clash, Mischief Ignites Passion…

If it hadn’t been for the crazy rumors, Lily Teagarden would never have approached her neighbor, Hal, Viscount Roxham—the careless rogue who broke her fledgling heart. But strange noises and lights on his property are causing serious problems for her, and she needs his help.

Trouble is oh-so-diverting for Viscount Roxham, and what could be more amusing than investigating what’s plaguing his prim, beautiful neighbor—haunted sheep, of all things. Every time he seems to make progress, though, she throws mischief in his path, and his attraction to her is becoming extremely distracting…too bad Lily’s the only woman in England who doesn’t think he’s Lord Perfect.

I have to agree with Lily, too many women want to look extra beautiful when they leave the house. This usually results in them wearing say, a sweater, skirt, leggings and ugg boots when it’s 9 degrees in the winter. And then they complain that they are cold.